Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 20 percent from April 9, 2018 to January 27, 2020 and at 30 percent from January 28, 2020. Both ratings were denied.,Service connection for ischemic heart disease due to herbicide exposure was remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing loss is at least as likely as not related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a lumbar spine disability. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss claim is denied, while his left ear hearing loss claim is granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that there is as likely as not a relationship between his in-service noise exposure and his current right ear hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for her service-connected left shoulder injury and compensatory rating for her bilateral hearing loss have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increased rating for either condition.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on a need for aid and attendance or due to being housebound was denied. The Board has decided the case should be remanded as there is insufficient evidence regarding his functional limitations.

The Veteran's initial noncompensable evaluation for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss must be remanded due to the lack of audiograms from December 2018 and April 2019. The AOJ is instructed to obtain these audiograms and any relevant treatment records.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's tinnitus is related to in-service noise exposure, but his current hearing loss may not be. A VA examination is needed to determine if he currently has a hearing loss disability for service connection purposes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding no medical evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims and increased rating claims. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability is not currently shown to meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under VA regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected hearing loss has been rated at 40% since July 3, 2019. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any period of time.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the cases of back disability and bilateral foot disability. The claims are being returned to VA for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of permanent auditory damage during active duty and noting significant post-service noise exposure. The Board concluded that current right ear hearing loss is not related to military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate examination findings.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss, finding that his preexisting condition was not aggravated by military service.,The Board has also remanded the issue of increasing the rating for paranoid schizophrenia from September 1, 2000 to February 26, 2018.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss has been denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression, is remanded due to unverified stressors.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that throughout the appeal period, his hearing impairment was manifested by no worse than level II in both ears.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a lower back disability, an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to May 22, 2019, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee disability after May 22, 2019, were denied. The Veteran's claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability was remanded.